PBS and VA250 Announce Production of America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together

Live Event from Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area
Premieres Saturday, July 4, 2026, as Part of PBS America @ 250

ARLINGTON VA; April 1, 2026 – PBS today announced AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.), a new special produced in partnership with VA250. In commemoration of America’s Independence, the special will broadcast live from Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET  (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS app.

Timed to coincide with the nation’s Semiquincentennial, the two-hour broadcast will celebrate the ideas, people, and defining moments that gave rise to the United States. Set in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.) will blend live performance, music, historic interpretation, and large-scale visual spectacle to create an inspiring national event that connects the nation’s founding directly to the present day, offering a powerful reflection on America’s past, present, and future.

“As we mark 250 years of American independence, there is no more fitting place to celebrate than Colonial Williamsburg, where the founding ideas that shaped our nation first took hold,” said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming at PBS. “This special brings that history to life in a way that honors the past while resonating with audiences today. We’re proud to partner with VA250 to continue our long-standing tradition of live programming in celebration of America’s birthday.”

“This exciting partnership is grounded in shared values: educating every American; engaging with every community; and inspiring a season of civic renewal that energizes   and unifies us. As the birthplace of our nation, Virginia belongs to every American. As we come together on July 4, 2026 to celebrate 250 years of independence, it is Virginia’s honor to welcome America home.” said Carly Fiorina, National Honorary Chair of VA250.

Rooted in Virginia’s central role in the nation’s founding — from Jamestown to Williamsburg to Yorktown — the event underscores the enduring impact of the Commonwealth in shaping the United States. Designed as both a celebration and a unifying national moment, the broadcast invites audiences to reflect on the past, engage in the present and see themselves reflected in America’s continuing story.

“This is truly an historic moment – for Williamsburg, the Commonwealth and the United States – and we look forward to welcoming the world to our revolutionary city,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “We are deeply honored that PBS will broadcast our celebration live to millions across the country. America’s vote for independence began here in Williamsburg, and we are excited to join with VA250, PBS and all Americans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with our most spectacular Independence Day event ever.”

Additional details, including featured talent and participants, will be announced at a later date.

AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.) will stream simultaneously with broadcast and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, which is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO.

AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.) is part of a slate of new programming for PBS America @ 250, a multiyear celebration of U.S. history, culture, and children’s programming that pays homage to America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. As part of the largest national and local engagement effort in its history, PBS member stations are activating events in more than 75 markets nationwide. In addition to tentpole programming like THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION from Florentine Films, PBS KIDS, PBS LearningMedia, PBS Digital Studios, and PBS member stations are exploring these topics at a national and local level. PBS America @ 250 programming will span across History, Music and Culture, plus programming from PBS KIDS. Visit the PBS America @ 250 Explore Page at www.pbs.org/explore/pbs-america-at-250 for more program information and PBS LearningMedia resources.

About VA250

The American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250)_

Established by the General Assembly in 2020, VA250 serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia. America. Made In Virginia. From its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened here in Virginia. Which makes Virginia the ideal place to learn about our nation’s beginnings, no matter what state you call home.

About PBS

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 36 million adults on linear primetime television, 16 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms, 56 million viewers on YouTube, and 10 million followers on social media, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV — including a PBS KIDS channel — and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. More information about PBS is available at PBS.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, Facebook, Instagram, or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on X.

– PBS –

CONTACTS:

Atiya Frederick, PBS, anfrederick@pbs.org

Cara White / Mary Lugo, CaraMar, Inc.

cara.white@mac.com; lugo@negia.net

 

For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.